The reputation of being casual, cool and comfortable is well-earned here – unless you choose a shaded patio table on the street in the height of one of Ottawa’s humid summers, that is. If you want a tender Canadian-grown Angus beef steak, a charcuterie or cheese sharing board – where you can observe how your colleague copes with sharing – this is the place for you. Summer’s humidity and heat may dictate a salad, so here’s where lime coconut chicken works impeccably with romaine.
Empire Grill is an urban eatery that serves brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Start small with their Ottawa valley gazpacho (a lemon basil crème fraîche) before tackling their brunch board for two. It consists of a croissant cheese melt with scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, sausage and mushroom on toast, crispy beef nibs and a fruit cup.